Dabbs in Milan High School (cont)

Local youth pastor, Jon Bartholomay of Vineyard Church-Milan, said the evening rally was not school sponsored or related.

 "The auditorium was rented for the evening event",  Bartholomay said. Dabbs addressed more than 400 students and their parents, that evening, sharing his faith and personal message.

Dabbs was the son of an unwed teenage mother who was considering abortion and living in a chicken coop in Louisiana. She reached out to a former school teacher, who took care of her and eventually adopted her son into the Dabbs family. Dabbs tells the young people to be grateful for family.

Allison and Bill Plom brought their sons, Stratos and Silas to the rally. Plom said Dabbs addressed subjects he valued and thought kids needed to hear.

"Dabbs knows how to communicate a delicate message in an effective and meaningful way that helps young people", Plom said. Silas said he liked everything about the presentation, and his brother Stratos, said he liked hearing making choices can empower you.

High school junior, Nicole MacRae, addressed the subject a bit more seriously saying Dabbs message was for everyone in the Milan community.

"A lot of people in Milan are sad", she said. "Dabbs' message was fun and he let us know we can help each other".  Suicide is never an answer. We can make good choices and have a nice life", MacRae said.

Between the jokes, music and dramatizations, he delivered his personal testimony and how his faith has impacted his life. Milan high school junior, Meghan Nyrkkanen said Dabbs' message was very motivational. She really enjoyed the jokes and said his message of "live your life to the fullest," impacted her.

She was one of 79 young people that went forward, after Dabbs had the audience recite a prayer. Those that choose to come forward either accepted Christ or rededicated their lives.

Bartholomay said staff from area churches, including Vineyard, were on hand to speak with those making a first time commitment, and they intend to mentor the young people through their church programs. One such program is the Milan Baptist Church that sponsors the community youth group, “Your Spot”.

The message was serious, the presentation was fun, but the prizes were a real hit too, according to the teen audience reaction. Bartholomay said local businesses supported the event. Best Buy, Meijer, Milan Grill and Lighthouse Coffee Co. donated gift cards. The Milan Bakery gave coupons for free sub sandwiches and Hungry Howie’s gave coupons for 20 free pizzas.

Plom said Hungry Howie's had a new customer. He took his boys to the eatery after the event and ordered a pizza to celebrate. He thanked the establishment for supporting the Milan youth.

Dabbs had to share the spotlight with Collins Music Center. The establishment donated an electric guitar that was raffled. It was on display throughout the program and was the last item to be awarded. Bartholomay said. Some left the auditorium disappointed they didn't win the guitar, but it didn't stifle the enthusiasm. "I got your back," was echoed down the hallways, as the audience left the building.

For more information on Reggie Dabbs, motivational speaker, visit: www.reggiedabbsonline.com. For O2 Oxygen Youth Ministries visit: www.o2youth.com or call 1-734-664-0300. Vineyard Church-Milan is located at 424 Hurd Street, visit: www. milanvineyard.org or call 439-2400 for more information. Youth Pastor, Jon Bartholomay can be reached at: 734-730-1687.

Joyce Ervin is a freelance writer. She can be reached at: jlervin42@yahoo.com.